Roma and Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly pursuing Zenit St Petersburg striker Sardar Azmoun, hoping to do a deal for circa €18m.
According to Sky Sport Italia and Sportitalia, Zenit have not yet decided if they are going to sell the Iran international this summer, but other clubs are gearing up to pounce.
His contract is due to expire in June 2022 and negotiations for an extension are not progressing well.
The asking price is circa €25m, but Bayer Leverkusen are said to be offering €18m in cash.
On the other hand, Roma would prefer to bid money plus players in part-exchange to keep the costs down.
Azmoun was purchased from Rubin Kazan in February 2019 for €12m.
The 26-year-old scored 19 goals in 24 Premier Liga games last season, but failed to find the net in four Champions League matches.
The centre-forward has 34 goals in 52 senior caps for Iran and has been playing his club football in Russia since 2013.
Bayer Leverkusen and AS Roma are both interested in Sardar Azmoun as new striker. Bayer are ready to offer €18m waiting for Zenit St Petersburg answer, AS Roma are offering players in the negotiation. 🇮🇷 @DiMarzio #transfers
Zenit will soon decide whether selling Azmoun or not.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 23, 2021